The Department of Defence has welcomed the West Australian Coroner's findings into the Christmas Island boat tragedy on 15 December 2010.
The Chief of the Defence Force, General David Hurley, praised the actions of Australian Defence Force and Customs and Border Protection personnel, along with other Commonwealth Officers who worked with Christmas Island residents to rescue 41 people.
"These men and women showed tremendous courage particularly the crew of HMAS Pirie who performed admirably in extremely difficult and dangerous conditions at great risk to their own personal safety," General Hurley said.
In November 2011 the International Maritime Organisation awarded a letter of commendation in the Bravery at Sea category to 12 ADF members embarked on HMAS Pirie. Defence also recognised their efforts with individual and group commendations.
Defence and other Australian Government agencies will now carefully consider the Coroner’s recommendations.
Media contact: Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999
